Top 5 Thank You Note Disasters to avoid!

The Thank You Note- RE-MIX.

The Thank You note- it is an absolute MUST.  It shows your interest, your follow up skills, your manners, and demonstrates your writing + grammar skills. This is another opportunity to set yourself apart from any other applicants.  This is another chance to SHINE, but if executed poorly it can cost you your chance altogether.

Here are the 5 most common Thank you note mistakes to avoid:

1)    Mistake #1: Typos. Grammar and spelling mistakes could crush you. Double, no, triple check that note! Even have a friend read it. Is everyone’s name spelled right? It needs to be perfect. This is one of the only writing samples they have from you. Make sure it is top notch and error free. A sloppy thank you note could cost you the job.

2)    Mistake #2: Late to the game. Ideally there should be a 24 hour turn around maximum to get this note out. The sooner the better. Show them how responsive you are. Show them they are a priority. Companies make their decisions fast on who they are moving forward with. In an ideal world you would have emailed a thank you note before the end of the day. If you feel you want to write a hand written note, we would suggest you drop it off that day (at the front desk, it isn’t appropriate to ask for the hiring manager again) or get it in the mail that day as well! The interview isn’t really over until you get this in- they are still considering you. Have them move from considering you to drafting an offer. Why drag the process out? Time is of the essence, so hurry up!

3)    Mistake #3: Boiler plate. Explain why you want this role, and that you understand what they are looking for! Anyone can write a generic thank you. Make sure it does not read like you could turn it in for any job anywhere. Showcase why they are special to you and why you should be special to them. In addition, you should have different notes for each person you meet. Often co-workers compare notes. The extra effort will not go unnoticed.

4)    Mistake #4: A Novel.  Make it Concise. This is not a chance to do-over the interview. Highlight your strengths for this specific role but get to the point. If you feel you forgot to add something in your interview- address you would love to do a deeper dive on this topic in the next interview if they choose to bring you back.

5)    Mistake #5: BFFs. Do not get too casual in this note. Be warm, appreciative and smart- be you- but be the best, most polished version of yourself.

The Thank you note… just a few lines, but a game changer. We want this note to work for you, not against you. And the biggest mistake yet, is not to send one. BURKE UP! You got this!

Additional resources:

https://www.burketalent.com/blog/2017/8/7/top-5-tips-for-the-ultimate-thank-you-note

https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-write-an-interview-thankyou-note-an-email-template